The National Security Committee (NSC) here on Friday reviewed the security situation in the region and strongly condemned the recent spate of terrorist attacks in Kabul.

Chaired by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, the committee emphasised that the people of Pakistan understand the pain and anguish of the people of Afghanistan very well since they are themselves the greatest victims of terrorism.

It further observed that the reaction of the Afghan government was based on misconceptions created by certain foreign elements.

The Committee expressed the resolve to forge ahead, despite difficulties, with positive engagement with Afghanistan, including the already planned visit of the Pakistani delegation to Kabul on February 3, for discussions on Pakistan’s proposed “Afghanistan-Pakistan Action Plan for Solidarity.”

It expressed satisfaction on the progress made with regard to border controls with Afghanistan and noted that the Afghan government should support the fencing of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border as being in the interest of both countries.

The National Security Committee reviewed the actions taken by the Government of Pakistan and provincial governments to fulfil the country’s international responsibilities under the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) framework.

The committee expressed satisfaction over the objectives achieved so far and directed the concerned ministries to complete the few outstanding actions at the earliest.

It directed that the achievements made by Pakistan in fulfilling its international obligations should be fully shared with the FATF, and expressed its hope that the FATF will not be politicised by a few countries.

Finally, the National Security Committee reaffirmed Pakistan’s position of continuing to play its role for regional stability and peace.